ABUJA, NIGERIA — Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly condemned the deplorable conditions under which Nigerian students sat for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), calling it a “national disgrace.”
Atiku’s remarks follow widespread reports that some students were forced to write critical exams in pitch darkness and unfit environments, due to delays caused by question paper leaks. “It is unacceptable and unjustifiable that in 2025, our children are writing exams in such degrading conditions,” Atiku stated, demanding that the affected exams be retaken to ensure fairness and integrity.
National Assembly Summons WAEC
The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to appear before it on Friday.
Chairman Oboku Oforji expressed outrage at WAEC’s failure to honor a prior invitation, especially amid:
- Reports of students taking exams as late as midnight.
- Exam paper leaks delaying major papers like English Language.
“It is ironic that WAEC cited ongoing exams as a reason for not appearing — the very issue we need them to explain,” Oforji said.
NANS Decries “Systemic Failures” and Late-Night Exams
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) also condemned WAEC’s management of the ongoing WASSCE, particularly the postponement of the English exam to 4–7 p.m., calling it a “shocking disregard for student safety.”
NANS National PRO Adeyemi Ajasa stated:
“Conducting high-stakes exams at night is a security risk and a psychological burden, especially for students in rural areas.” They blamed WAEC for repeated exam leaks, poor logistics, and failing to uphold professional standards, demanding accountability and reform.
